Theory and Analysis:Sandbox Sequence
The Sandbox Sequence is a 2 minute 43 second long sequence of scenes in the End of Evangelion that depicts a young Shinji in a playground, specifically in a sandbox. This sequence follows the cut where Yui asks Shinji what he wishes for while he is in the Entry Plug of Evangelion Unit-01. This sequence is filled with symbolism and metaphors and some fans often ask what the purpose of this scene is and what it means. This is one possible interpretation of the events of this sequence.
Summary
Leading up to this sequence, Shinji is in the Entry Plug and is asked what he wishes for. Without giving an answer (here we see a superimposed sketch of a woman's breasts) he starts wavering and turns into LCL. Then the drop of water, which is a visual cue that indicates a shift from the real world to "imaginary world" or vice versa. In this case, we're shifting from the real world (the Entry Plug) to the "imaginary" one (the Sandbox Sequence and following scenes).
At first, we see that everything is grainy, as if we're watching an old movie. As if to further push this motif, we see stage lights and what looks like a movie set.
We see a swing set, swinging back and forth and the music starts, the music is almost carnivalish pipe organ sounding. In the background, we see hills that look very similar to a woman's breasts.
